Description
These Thumbprint Heart Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, featuring a buttery, soft cookie base with a sweet jam-filled center shaped like a heart. Easy to prepare and bake, these cookies combine simple ingredients to create a charming and delicious dessert loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/4 cup jam of choice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cookie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and uniform dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixture, blending until a soft dough forms; be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Create Heart Indents: Gently press your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon twice into the center of each dough ball to form a heart-shaped indentation where the filling will sit.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are properly cooked.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; if the indentations have filled in during baking, gently reshape them while the cookies are still warm.
- Add Jam Filling: Once completely cooled, spoon a small dollop of your favorite jam into each heart-shaped center, adding a sweet and fruity burst of flavor to each cookie.
Notes
- You can substitute the egg with a flax egg for a vegan version (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, set for 5 minutes).
- Choose your favorite jam such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot for varied flavors.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- To keep the heart shape intact, avoid pressing too hard when making the indentation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Thumbprint cookies, heart-shaped cookies, jam-filled cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday cookies, buttery cookies
